Controls, Enforcement and Enhancements for PLD Management in Schools to Effectively Support Students' Learning

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Wan Rizal, Jalan Besar GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) what tools and policies are in place to ensure that Personal Learning Devices (PLDs) in schools effectively support students' learning while limiting access to non-educational content during school hours; (b) how does the Ministry address cases where students attempt to bypass these restrictions; and (c) whether additional security or monitoring measures are being considered to improve adherence to usage guidelines.

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Wan Rizal, Jalan Besar GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) what resources, guidelines or training are available to assist parents and teachers in managing their students' use of Personal Learning Devices responsibly, both in school and at home; and (b) whether the Ministry plans to introduce additional measures to support the development of balanced digital habits by students.

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Wan Rizal, Jalan Besar GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether research has been conducted on the impact of the usage of personal learning devices on students' attention spans and academic performance; and (b) whether there are plans to refine the use of these devices based on findings regarding their effectiveness and any identified distractions.

Response

1. Since the introduction of Personal Learning Devices (PLDs) to enhance teaching and learning, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has provided schools with guidance and support, and professional development of teachers, on the use of PLDs for teaching and learning. Cyber Wellness lessons were enhanced to promote safe and responsible PLD use. Learning resources on developing digital literacies were made available to students.

2. To further support the safe and effective use of the PLDs, all PLDs were installed with the Device Management Application (DMA). The DMA blocks access to inappropriate content and regulates screen time. Cases of suspected DMA bypass are investigated, and appropriate school-based consequences meted should any misdemeanour be established.

3. MOE commissioned the National Institute of Education to conduct a two-year study starting in September 2022 to understand the impact of PLDs on teaching and learning, as well as students' development of 21st Century Competencies, cyber wellness and mental well-being. Interim findings suggest that students found the use of PLDs beneficial for their learning, communication with teachers and collaboration with peers. Students also demonstrated good cyber wellness knowledge, including awareness of cyber risks. Students are learning to translate this knowledge into action when using the PLDs, especially during non-school hours.

4. MOE recognises that parents are key partners in a student's education journey. MOE recently collaborated with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Health Promotion Board on the Parenting for Wellness initiative. To enable our students to use technology productively and safely for learning, the toolbox for parents includes resources to help navigate the challenges of parenting in the digital age effectively, such as setting screen use limits on digital devices. I encourage parents to make good use of the bite-sized practical tips and strategies to support your children's growth and development.

5. We will continue to refine our policies on the use of PLDs, and support for schools, students and parents with the findings from the study and feedback we receive.